Finding the right ADHD medication for your child

To find the optimal medication to help your child effectively manage their symptoms, we start with titration. The goal of this process is to find the dose of medicine that controls your child's ADHD symptoms with the fewest side effects.

The titration process and the number of appointments varies from person to person. Usually, it takes between two and four months, depending on how quickly the right medication and dosage are found.

Your clinician will explain possible side effects before your child starts treatment. If you notice anything that concerns you, please get in touch. The clinician may need to review your child's medication or adjust the dose to help manage the symptoms.

For severe or worrying side effects, we recommend calling NHS 111 for advice.

ADHD medication, like methylphenidate (the first medicine doctors usually try), comes in different forms. It might be a tablet, capsule, or liquid. Some types work quickly and need taking several times a day. Others last all day and are taken once in the morning.

Your clinician will explain which one is right for your child and how to take it.

You can read more about each medication by visiting the electronic medicines compendium (emc) website.

It’s completely normal for your child to feel a bit nervous about starting medication. Talking openly and checking in with them regularly can really help.

You might want to gently ask how they’re feeling, whether they’ve noticed any changes, and what difference the medication is making in their day-to-day life.

At each follow-up titration appointment, your child’s clinician will ask how things are going. It can be helpful to keep notes on any changes you’ve seen in their mood, focus, behaviour, or any side effects. This helps you and the clinician make the most of your time together.

Supporting a balanced diet, regular routines, and healthy sleep can also make a big difference during this time.

If you or your child have any worries at all, please share them with your clinician during the appointments.

While medication works well for many young people with ADHD, others find non-medication strategies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments extremely helpful. Many families find the best results come from a combination of medication and behavioural strategies.

As part of shared care, your child’s ADHD medication will usually be reviewed every six months by a specialist clinician at Clinical Partners. These regular reviews are an important way to check how your child is responding to their medication and to make any changes if needed.

Sometimes, your GP might request an earlier review. This could happen if your child is experiencing side effects or if the medication is not working as well as expected. In these situations, Clinical Partners may temporarily take over your child’s care again to help adjust or re-stabilise their treatment. Once things are back on track, their care can be safely handed back to the GP.

This flexible approach means responsibility is shared between your GP and Clinical Partners, depending on what your child needs at the time. Our priority is always to ensure your child’s treatment remains safe, effective, and personalised.

You may need to see your child's GP for physical check-ups, such as blood pressure or weight monitoring, as part of their medication management. These appointments help ensure your child's health is not negatively affected by the medication.

All costs are covered by the NHS.

Your child's prescription will be sent directly to one of our online pharmacy providers. They will deliver the medication to your home address.

No. In the UK, ADHD medication must be initially prescribed by a specialist, typically a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD clinic.

Once your child is stabilised on medication, their GP, if they agree to shared care, will continue to prescribe your medication and monitor your child's physical health for the duration of their treatment. If the GP doesn't accept shared care, you can choose to continue to see your child's Clinical Partners clinician.

You and your child will see a Clinical Partners clinician twice a year for a comprehensive review, whether your GP accepts shared care or you remain with us.